RAYLEIGH’S usually bustling High Street was at a standstill as hundreds paid their respects to a well-known and much-loved window cleaner who recently died.

The funeral procession of Laughton Spooner wound its way from his home in Warren Close through the High Street and on its way to Holy Trinity Church, where the service took place.

Mr Spooner, a dad-of-two, died aged 68 on February 12 at Fair Havens Hospice, in Chalkwell, after succumbing to lung cancer.

The coffin was in a glass carriage led by black-plumed horses and followed by his family. Many of his old friends and business colleagues attended the funeral.

His family said he was well-known for his “jack-the-lad” character and was buried in his working clothes because that was what he was happiest in.

His wife Sylvia, 61, said: “He worked hard all his life and was such a character.

“He never wanted much for himself. As long as he had enough for a packet of cigarettes and a pint of beer, he was happy.

“He said: ‘Make sure you have a party when I’m gone’.”

Mr Spooner lived in Rayleigh for more than 40 years and ran his window-cleaning business, Mayday Cleaners, which his two sons Jason and Matthew, aged 37 and 40, have now taken over. He is also survived by his four grandchildren.

His daughter-in-law Jaime, 31, said: “It was a lovely day.

“The whole of Rayleigh High Street came to a standstill.

“All the pedestrians and traffic came to a stop.

“We’d like to thank all the people who turned up.

“There were more than 100 people in the church waiting for us.

“He had the send-off he deserved.”

An episode of Sky Sports 3 football programme Off The Bar, which was broadcast on Friday evening, was dedicated to Mr Spooner.

The family requested that any donations be made to Fair Havens, based in Second Avenue.

Visit www.fairhavens.org.uk or call 01702 435884.